The FCVic Submission to the Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV) Financial Counselling Services Review outlines critical recommendations for improving Victoria’s financial counselling sector. Responding to heightened demand and the complex challenges faced by financial counsellors, this submission advocates for strategic reforms to enhance service delivery, accessibility, and workforce sustainability. Key proposals include targeted funding for underserved communities, improved data systems, and flexible service models that integrate financial counselling with related services to streamline client support.

To build a robust and responsive sector, FCVic recommends five-year funding agreements, fair pay standards, and wellbeing initiatives for financial counsellors. Additionally, the submission urges a shift to outcomes-based reporting and enhanced technology to reduce administrative burdens, allowing counsellors to focus on impactful client interactions. These measures aim to create a sustainable financial counselling sector that can effectively meet community needs, helping Victorians navigate financial hardship and fostering long-term social resilience.